Social Security Board awards two nursing scholarships

The following is a media release from the Social Security Board.

On August 12, 2021, the BVI Social Security Board awarded two nursing scholarships to Sheneice McKelly and Stephanie Payne.

The scholarship contracts were signed in an intimate ceremony held in the SSB conference room. Both McKelly and Payne will be pursuing nursing degrees at the University of the Virgin Islands in the fall 2021 semester.

For over twenty years, the Social Security Board has been on a quest to enhance healthcare in the BVI. In their efforts, the organisation has cited issuing scholarships as pertinent to ensuring excellence in the Territory’s medical future.

Acting Director, Mrs Jeannette Scatliffe Boynes, shared: “The Social Security Board is committed to the development of the nursing fraternity and the increase in professional staffing at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith hospital”. The Board has also offered the recipients the support of its medical staff; namely Dr. Harlan Vanterpool and Mrs. Norma Benjamin.

Mrs. Boynes noted: “They are some of the most capable and highly committed individuals in the profession”. She concluded her remarks by encouraging the young women to utilise their support. Honourable Vincent Wheatley, Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration with responsibility to Social Security, highlighted the critical importance of having nurses; especially considering the recent strain COVID-19 has put on the Territory’s healthcare system.

He praised the young women for venturing into healthcare and dedicating their lives to the vocation. He continued his address by commending the Board for actively contributing to bettering our community.

The Minister encouraged other organisations to follow suit saying, “I would like to see more institutions taking this active role in building our community, starting with our youth.”

The two scholarship recipients, Ms. McKelly and Ms. Payne, were amongst a plethora of promising candidates. Their showcased zeal for nursing; accompanied by their academic prowess made them prime applicants. The Social Security Board is pleased to be a part of their journey and look forward to their return to the territory.

The SSB Healthcare Scholarship affords successful candidates the opportunity to study in any healthcare field. It finances both tuition and accommodation; and provides its recipients with mentorship and employment opportunities with established local professionals.